How to Plant Rose Clippings

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How to Plant Rose Clippings

Overview

There are more than 100 species of the colorful and aromatic rose, a perennial flower shrub with stems that are armed which sharp barbs. Native to Asia, with some species native to northwest Africa, Europe, and North America, roses are fabled in romantic lore and are a favorite of gardeners. Propagating roses by establishing roots on cuttings, or canes, is not difficult.

Using Glass or Hard-Plastic Cover

Step 1

Step 2

Select a young cane or shoot about 6 inches long. Make sure the cane is free of disease and contains at least one bud.

Step 3

Use your knife or shears to remove the shoot. Cut at a 45-degree angle.

Step 4

Remove the leaves at the bottom of the cutting. Keep the leaves at the top.

Step 5

Dip the cut end of the cutting in the rooting hormone or compost. (This step is optional. Using a rooting hormone encourages the growth of a new cutting, but it is not essential.)

Step 6

Plant the cutting in 2 to 3 inches of soil, then spray soil with water.

Step 7

Put a glass jar or plastic container over the jar---which will keep the cutting warm and retain moisture. Young canes need moisture to start the growth process.

Using a Plastic Bag

Step 1

Follow steps 1 through 6.

Step 2

Fill 2-inch pots with the mixture of potting soil and vermiculite.

Step 3

Dip the cut end of the cutting in rooting hormone or compost. (As mentioned previously, this step is optional.)

Step 4

Put the end of the cutting halfway into the soil.

Step 5

Place the pot in a one-gallon plastic bag. Make sure that the top of the bag doesn't fold over; air needs to circulate through the container.

Tips and Warnings

The method using glass or plastic jars works best. If you use plastic bags, the air sometimes doesn't circulate properly and the roots of your plant will rot.
Technically, it's against the law to use a cutting from a hybrid rose that has been patented.

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About this Author

Richard Hoyt, an internationally published author of 26 mysteries, thrillers and other novels, is a former reporter for Honolulu dailies and writer for "Newsweek" magazine. He taught nonfiction writing and journalism at the university level for 10 years. He holds a Ph.D. in American studies.